Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The hike down from Rodmans Hollow leads you through one of Block Island's most dramatic landscapes: a glacial depression carved 20,000 years ago, now thick with scrub oak and shadbush. The trail winds past kettleholes and stone walls built by farmers who abandoned this terrain to the wind. When you finally glimpse the ocean, it's through a frame of swaying switchgrass, the shore appearing almost accidental at the base of eroding bluffs. The beach itself is all cobblestone and wave-tumbled rock, the kind that shifts and rumbles with each surge. Driftwood lodges between boulders the size of wine barrels. Offshore, the water churns in shades of slate and moss-green, its temperature hovering in the fifties even in August. This is not a place for languid swimming; it's for tide-pooling, for photographing the striations in the clay cliffs, for feeling the full weight of the Atlantic against your shins. You'll have the shoreline mostly to yourself—most Block Island visitors never venture beyond the harbor beaches. The Hollow itself is protected by The Nature Conservancy, which means no development, no refreshment stands, no volleyball nets. Just the wheeling of gulls overhead and the persistent smell of rockweed drying on stone. Bring layers; the wind here doesn't negotiate.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Rodmans Hollow Shore.
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Rodmans Hollow Shore features rocky coastline and can have unpredictable currents, making swimming conditions challenging. The area is primarily known for hiking and scenic views rather than swimming. If you do enter the water, exercise extreme caution, wear water shoes due to rocky terrain, and never swim alone. Block Island has lifeguarded beaches better suited for swimming, including State Beach and Ballard's Beach. Always check local conditions and heed any posted warnings before entering the water.
Rodmans Hollow Shore can be visited year-round, but late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the most pleasant weather for hiking the trails leading to the shore. Summer provides warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours for exploration. Fall brings beautiful coastal colors and fewer crowds. Winter visits are possible but can be windy and cold. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best lighting for photography and wildlife viewing, particularly during migration seasons in spring and fall.
Rodmans Hollow Shore is accessed via hiking trails from the Rodmans Hollow Nature Conservancy parking area on Cooneymous Road in New Shoreham. The trail to the shore is approximately 0.5 miles through protected grasslands and coastal shrublands. Parking is free but limited to a small lot. Block Island itself is reached by ferry from Point Judith, Rhode Island, or via small aircraft. Once on the island, you can bike, rent mopeds, or drive to the trailhead, though the island encourages cycling.
Rodmans Hollow Shore itself has no facilities or amenities—it's a natural, undeveloped area. The nearest services are in New Shoreham town center, about 2-3 miles away, where you'll find restaurants, cafes, and lodging options ranging from historic inns to vacation rentals. Block Island has numerous dining options specializing in fresh seafood. Pack water and snacks for your hike, as there are no vendors near the trailhead. Plan to bring everything you need and pack out all trash.
Unlike Block Island's sandy swimming beaches, Rodmans Hollow Shore is a hidden, rocky coastal destination reached by hiking through a glacial depression. The area is a protected nature conservancy featuring rare coastal grasslands and serves as critical habitat for migratory birds. It offers dramatic cliff views and a wilder, more secluded experience than the island's popular beaches. The journey combines hiking through unique ecosystems with stunning ocean vistas, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking solitude rather than traditional beach activities.
